The timing of when fish start biting in Montana can vary depending on the location, weather, and the type of fish you are targeting. Generally, the fishing season in Montana starts in the spring when the weather begins to warm up and the ice on the rivers and lakes starts to thaw. The timing of this can vary based on the elevation and the amount of snowfall in a particular area.
In many areas of Montana, trout fishing season begins on the third Saturday of May and runs through November 30th. However, some rivers and streams may open earlier or later depending on the conditions.
During the early spring, many anglers target early hatches of aquatic insects such as midges and mayflies, which can bring fish to the surface and make for good dry fly fishing. As the water temperatures continue to warm up, the fishing can get better as the fish become more active and begin to feed more aggressively.
Summer can be a great time to fish in Montana, with the water temperatures being at their warmest and the fish being more active. This is typically the busiest time of year for fishing, as many anglers travel to Montana to fish for trout in the state's many rivers and streams.
Fall can also be a good time to fish in Montana, particularly for brown trout, which are known to spawn in the fall. Fishing can be particularly good during the late fall when the water temperatures start to cool down and the fish become more active again.
Overall, the timing of when fish start biting in Montana can vary based on many factors, but the spring through fall is generally the best time to go fishing in the state.